tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-57043134842590886852014-10-04T22:10:15.906-07:00Lasting Memories by SharonLasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.comBlogger14125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-14332380025757985082011-06-15T10:54:00.000-07:002011-06-15T10:54:26.756-07:00I Found A White Dove, What Do I Do Now?This past week I had 3 calls from individuals who had come in contact with white pigeons who had lost their way or just were exhausted and couldn't go on.&nbsp; And the question becomes what do I do with these pigeons?&nbsp; First thing if you have the pigeon in your possession is to check if the bird has a band on its leg.&nbsp; The two most common identifications if the birds are registered are the AU and IF bands.&nbsp; If the band starts with AU you can go to <a href="http://www.pigeon.org/">http://www.pigeon.org/</a>&nbsp; which is the American Racing Pigeon Union and if it starts with IF you can go to <a href="http://www.ifpigeon.com/">www.ifpigeon.com</a>&nbsp; which is the International Federation of American Homing Pigeons.&nbsp; Then arrangements can be made with the owner to get the pigeon.&nbsp; Often times the bird does not have one of these bands, now what?<br /><br />If possible you need to examine the bird to see if there are any obvious injuries.&nbsp; If there are no obvious abnormalities than chances are the bird is exhausted and a little care will help this pigeon to be on its way.&nbsp; So what care is required?&nbsp; Feed and water.&nbsp; The pigeon basically ran out of gas and a couple of days of feed with fresh water will do the trick.&nbsp; The feed required is bird seed or even popcorn (not popped) and rest.&nbsp; The action of the pigeon will be indication of when it is ready to go.&nbsp; When the pigeon becomes restless in its cage you can take him outside to release and it will fly home.<br /><br />I want to thank those who come in contact with our pigeons who at times require a little help and are willing to care for them.&nbsp; If you come in contact with a pigeon that needs help please feel free to email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a> if you need assistance.&nbsp; If you are planning an event and need white doves check out our website <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">www.dovesforrelease.com</a> or call 609-758-5741.Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-16828144880096330772011-06-09T08:27:00.000-07:002011-06-09T08:27:30.963-07:00Memorial Idea for a Young Girl&nbsp;The loss of a child is a difficult pain to overcome.&nbsp; Sometimes a reading or a poem is difficult to come up with when planning a memorial for such an occasion.&nbsp;&nbsp; My son introduced me to a song that might fit.&nbsp; It is called "If I Die Young" by The Band Perry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/HCIHUlUtvnk?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><br />When planning a memorial, a wedding or any event that would be appropriate for white doves call us at 609-758-5741 and as always check out our website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">www.dovesforrelease.com</a> .Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-1777265631193422382011-05-20T09:25:00.000-07:002011-05-20T09:29:32.789-07:00Hand Release of DovesSometimes we get requests for releasing the doves by hand.&nbsp; Charles Cole has a great YouTube video illustrating the proper way of handling and releasing doves.<br /><br /><div id="yiv407099675"></div><div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/9ILNVeeKgTM?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div><div></div>Check it out, as always if there is a question or a need for a dove release call 609-758-5741 or check out our website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>&nbsp; we will be more than happy to help.Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-33973050885463391402011-04-23T09:00:00.000-07:002011-04-23T09:00:16.217-07:00Doves a Memorial GiftOn the anniversary of a loved ones death we are often times reminded of their importance to us, and that we miss them.&nbsp; I had the opportunity of participating in a memorial service at the Princeton Cemetery on April 7th for Nicholas, a young man who was tragically killed in an automobile accident five years ago. It was his aunt Nancy who gave the white dove release to his parents John and Laura. Nancy also put this reading together which I would like to include.<br /><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 12pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Life is like a train ride…………………………………………..by Steve Polittle<br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /><br style="mso-special-character: line-break;" /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Life is like a train ride. We get on.&nbsp; We Ride. We get off.&nbsp; We get back on and ride some more.&nbsp; There are accidents and&nbsp;there are delays.&nbsp; At certain stops there are surprises.&nbsp; Some of these will translate into great moments of joy; some will result in profound sorrow......</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">When we are born and when we first board the train, we meet people whom we think will be with us for the entire journey.&nbsp; Those people are our parents.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Sadly, this is far from the truth.&nbsp; Our parents are with us for as long as we absolutely need them.&nbsp; They too,&nbsp;have journeys they must complete.&nbsp; We live on&nbsp;with the&nbsp;memories of their love, affection, friendship, guidance and&nbsp;their ever presence.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">There are others who board the train and who eventually become very important to us as well.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">These people are our brothers, sisters,&nbsp;friends and acquaintances, who we will learn to love and cherish...</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">&nbsp;Some people consider their journey like a&nbsp;jaunty tour; they will just go merrily&nbsp;along. </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Others will encounter many upsets, tears, and losses on their journey. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp;</span>Others still, will linger on to offer a helping hand to anyone in need.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Some people on the train will leave an everlasting impression when they get off. (Nicholas surely did!!)</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Some will get on and get off the train so&nbsp;quickly, they will&nbsp;scarily leave a sign that they ever traveled along with you- or ever crossed your path.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We will sometimes be upset that some passengers, whom we love, will choose to&nbsp;sit in&nbsp;another compartment and leave us to travel on our own.&nbsp; Then again,&nbsp;there's nothing that says we can’t seek them out anyway.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Nevertheless, once sought out and found, we may not even be able to sit next to them&nbsp;because that seat will be taken</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">That's ok, everyone's journey will be filled with hopes, dreams, challenges, setbacks and goodbye's We must strive to make the best of it.......no matter what!</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We must constantly strive to understand our travel companions and look for the best in everyone.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Remember&nbsp;that at any moment during our journey- any one of our travel companions can have a weak moment and be in need of our help</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We too, may&nbsp;vacillate or hesitate- even trip….&nbsp;&nbsp;Hopefully we can count on someone being there- and to be supportive and understanding.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">The bigger mystery of our journey is that we&nbsp;don’t know when our last stop&nbsp;will come.&nbsp; Neither do we know when our travel companions will make their last stop -not even those sitting in the seat&nbsp;next to us.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">I know we will be sad to make our final stop.&nbsp;&nbsp;I’m sure of it.&nbsp; Our separation from&nbsp;all those friends and acquaintances we made during the train ride will be painful.&nbsp;&nbsp;Leaving all those we are close to will be a sad thing.&nbsp; But then again&nbsp;I am certain, that one day we will get to the main&nbsp;station only to meet up with everyone else. We will all be carrying our&nbsp;baggage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">&nbsp; </span>Most of which we&nbsp;didn’t have when we first got on the train.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">As Ashley said last year in her beautifully written poem:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">This she knows for sure:</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We wouldn’t be together this day,</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We wouldn’t be so strong</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We wouldn’t be so close.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">And we wouldn’t have come this far……….</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">We are all on this train ride together.&nbsp; Above all we should strive to make the ride as pleasant and memorable as&nbsp;we can, right up until we each make the final stop and leave the train for the last time.&nbsp; </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Thank you all for taking this train ride with Nicholas and our family.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14pt;">Thank you for supporting each other and honoring Nicholas on this day.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 0pt;"><span style="color: black; font-family: &quot;Tahoma&quot;, &quot;sans-serif&quot;;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #444444;">If you are planning a memorial service and would like our assistance call us at 609-758-5741 and as always check out our site at </span><a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/"><span style="color: #444444;">www.dovesforrelease.com</span></a><span style="color: #444444;"> </span></span></span></div>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-58112171297446350282011-03-30T07:11:00.000-07:002011-03-30T07:11:17.938-07:00The Problem With PETAIt was brought to my attention that Reese Witherspoon got married on March 26th in fact the link was sent to me directing me to Faded Youth Blog.&nbsp; So I read the article and it announced the marriage of Reese Witherspoon&nbsp;to Jim Toth. It talked about that they got married in Ojai CA on March 26th and the individuals who participated in the ceremony.&nbsp; The article covered some of the guests that were present such as Conan O'brien.&nbsp; Then as a conclusion of the ceremony 80 doves were released,&nbsp; which the article had a picture of some of the birds flying.&nbsp; I'm thinking to myself this is great publicity in&nbsp;promoting&nbsp;dove releases.&nbsp; But at the very end of the article it goes on to say that they asked PETA for their thoughts on Dove Releases, and this is what one of their representatives had to say.<br /><br />"White doves are specifically bred for release and used by thoughtless event planners. Because doves are flock animals, they have very little chance of surviving on their own when they are released at events. Sending white doves into the air after having kept them confined for their entire lives is tantamount to abandoning a household companion animal in the woods 10 miles from home and should be as illegal. The initial release confuses doves, especially if it’s done at night (when many celebrations take place). Doves are diurnal, so being exposed at night already puts them at a disadvantage. In the confusion of the moment, the birds dissipate and flounder into the night. Come morning, these doves are on their own. Unless they are lucky enough to find a flock of pigeons or other doves to join up with, they won’t survive. However, even if they do find other birds to hang out with, the disoriented doves will remain an easy target for hawks and other predators"<br /><br />This type of misinformation just sets my blood to boil.&nbsp; I'm a firm believer that animals need to be treated with respect and their handling needs to provide them with the highest form of safety.&nbsp; When one looks at the picture of the birds in the article&nbsp;it is easy to identify them as homing pigeons and not ring neck doves.&nbsp; It is this misinformation that confuses individuals who want to do the right thing and yet want to enjoy these beautiful animals.&nbsp; My hat is off to Reese for releasing the doves it looks like it was a beautiful event.&nbsp; If you have any questions or comments email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>&nbsp; check out my website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>&nbsp;Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-66615710732054402442011-03-11T11:30:00.000-08:002011-03-11T11:48:05.299-08:00Susie Moore; 109 Years Young, Oldest Memorial Service I've DoneSome funeral services are very hard for me to do.&nbsp; The death of a child, gang related killing or even a suicide when someone just feels life is not worth living.&nbsp; We are affected by those who loose their life to illness or unexpected accidents and we feel there was so much potential life left to live and it causes us a lot of grief and pain in their passing.&nbsp; I have been told that even in these situations the releasing of white doves help them in this grieving process, and gives them a sense of peace.<br /><br />Last Monday I was at a funeral and was asked who was the oldest individual that I had the opportunity of doing a dove release for?&nbsp;&nbsp;The answer to that question is Susie Moore who lived to be 109 years old.&nbsp; I got to be thinking how different the world was since her birth of 1901 and of the things that she had experienced.<br /><br />I want to thank Xenia Ware&nbsp; and the James H. Hunt Funeral Home for allowing me to be involved in the celebration of Susie Moore's life in the releasing of doves at her memorial service.&nbsp; We released 4 doves at the Jersey Shore Convalescent Center located at 2050 sixth ave, Neptune city NJ.&nbsp;&nbsp;I released three doves first, representing the Trinity and Xenia released the fourth dove representing the spirit of Susie.&nbsp; Those who were there I believe experienced a tremendous sense of peace and comfort knowing Susie was at a better place.<br /><br /><div style="text-align: justify;">I would like to end with this poem.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">﻿"Little Dove"</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">On the wings of this white dove</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'll set your spirit free.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Up into the big deep sky,</div><div style="text-align: center;">to heaven, where you'll be.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I know God has a plan for us,</div><div style="text-align: center;">he wants us by his side.</div><div style="text-align: center;">But it is hard for us to understand</div><div style="text-align: center;">when we are left behind.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Little dove, help lift our hearts</div><div style="text-align: center;">as we watch you go,</div><div style="text-align: center;">God is there if we just ask,</div><div style="text-align: center;">because He loves us so.</div><br /><br />If you are looking for doves to release for a funeral or memorial service check out our website <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a> or email us at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a name='more'></a></div>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-61600706843419052962011-02-28T08:04:00.000-08:002011-02-28T08:07:33.222-08:00Doves vs Butterflies: Bliss Weddings Post made in 2002Questions and interest continue to be made in regards to the decision if one should use doves or butterflies in their wedding ceremonies. Since&nbsp; I raise doves (white homing pigeons) I have a bias in the release of doves.&nbsp; Using a professional dove handler the birds are trained and managed in a way to guarantee the highest safety of their return home. The handler can work with your photographer to capture those special moments on film and can work with your wedding coordinator to personalise your release.&nbsp; I found this old post and I thought I would put it on my blog to encourage dialogue. Please check it out.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingforums/showthread.php?t=486">http://www.pashweddings.com/weddingforums/showthread.php?t=486</a><br /><br /><br />If you have had butterflies at your wedding, or you are researching the use of butterflies for an event please share that information with us.&nbsp; Maybe you raise butterflies or know someone who does, I'm sure butterflies are handled differently since 2002 would like to post that information.&nbsp; If you have any questions about our birds email us at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>&nbsp; or check out our site at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-68692927621931715192011-02-17T13:17:00.000-08:002011-02-17T18:54:52.330-08:00Hawks: Nemises of the DovesAsk anyone who raises doves or pigeons "What is their number one frustration with the birds?" and they will most often tell you their experiences with the hawks.&nbsp; In fact when the hawks migrate from November till April their are some&nbsp;dove companies that limit their releases or in fact do no releases through those months because of the bird losses they experience.&nbsp; I will admit that we do have some losses to the hawks&nbsp; but because of some of our practices I believe we keep our losses to a minimum.&nbsp;&nbsp; The following are some things we do.<br /><br />It has been our experience that hawks seem to be creatures of habit.&nbsp; Because we know that the hawk seems to be around the loft lets say in the morning we take the birds on training tosses after 12:00.&nbsp; By the way the hawk most often we have trouble with is called a Cooper Hawk.&nbsp; We are outside when the birds arrive to discourage and to observe whether hawks are in the area.&nbsp; The birds are most vulnerable when taking off and landing.&nbsp; We believe in taking our birds on tosses rather than allowing free flight because the doves when given the opportunity of free flight will often go to the trees since they are close to home which allows them to be an easy target for the hawk. A healthy pigeon or rock dove in flight will out fly most variety of hawks.&nbsp; So our first precaution is to vary the times of our training tosses.<br /><br />Our doves are locked down at all times.&nbsp; We feel that it is important for us to control the activity of the doves and we want to minimize the amount of time they are exposed to the elements so the only time they are out is when they have been released for a trainning toss or a ceremonial release.&nbsp; The design of our loft allows the dove to come in, but there is no way he can get out.&nbsp; So our second precaution is to control the amount of time the dove has to being outside.<br /><br />One of the controls a handler has on his doves is hunger.&nbsp; When we take the doves out on a trainning toss the toss is allways done before they are fed.&nbsp; Remember when I said that the dove is most vulnerable when taking off and landing.&nbsp; When the bird comes home and he is hungry he will go in the loft quickly because he is hungry rather than hanging in the trees where it is a target for the hawk.&nbsp; Our doves know food and water is waiting for them so they trap quickly.&nbsp; So food and water is a great motivater for keeping the doves on their toes.<br /><br />Our birds are exercised year round, a healthy well conditioned dove is not an easy target.&nbsp; Even with all the precautions we take we do occasionaly lose a bird.&nbsp; But it has been our experience that the birds we lose tend to be the less desireable ones and I think in some ways the hawk is natures way of keeping the overall flock healthier.&nbsp; If you are looking for ceremonial doves check out our website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>&nbsp; if you are out of our service area I can steer you in the right direction, if you have any questions email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a> <br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><div style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><div style="font-family: times new roman, new york, times, serif; font-size: 12pt;"><style><!-- filtered {font-family:Calibri;panose-1:2 15 5 2 2 2 4 3 2 4;} filtered {font-family:Tahoma;panose-1:2 11 6 4 3 5 4 4 2 4;} filtered {font-family:"Lucida Grande";} p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:11.0pt;font-family:"sans-serif";} a:link, span.MsoHyperlink {color:blue;text-decoration:underline;} a:visited, span.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {color:purple;text-decoration:underline;} p.MsoAcetate, li.MsoAcetate, div.MsoAcetate {margin:0in;margin-bottom:.0001pt;font-size:8.0pt;font-family:"sans-serif";} span.EmailStyle17 {font-family:"sans-serif";color:windowtext;} span.BalloonTextChar {font-family:"sans-serif";} .MsoChpDefault {} filtered {margin:1.0in 1.0in 1.0in 1.0in;} div.WordSection1 {} --></style><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-57765562444886106902011-01-20T10:00:00.000-08:002011-01-20T10:00:53.487-08:00Memorial Doves<div align="justify" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TThmruK7BVI/AAAAAAAAAAc/QpfIRacSIak/s1600/Pigeons+flying+3+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="224" s5="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TThmruK7BVI/AAAAAAAAAAc/QpfIRacSIak/s320/Pigeons+flying+3+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>﻿<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size: large;">Oh, that I had the wings of a dove!&nbsp; I would fly away and be at rest- Psalm 55:6</span></blockquote><br />Since the beginning of recorded history tranquility and peace have been associated with the dove.&nbsp; The releasing of&nbsp;a dove at a memorial or funeral is an appropriate way of&nbsp; saying goodbye, letting that person go to start their spiritual journey.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TThlH64Gi0I/AAAAAAAAAAU/T0rjzyca-l0/s1600/funeral+site+bird+church+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TThlH64Gi0I/AAAAAAAAAAU/T0rjzyca-l0/s320/funeral+site+bird+church+1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Our most popular release is our trinity release.&nbsp; We have a chapel that is designed to hold three doves.&nbsp; The doves represent the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.&nbsp; The chapel doors are opened and the three birds fly and circle over the funeral attendees.&nbsp; Then a heart shaped basket is opened which represents the spirit of the departed, which then joins the other three birds.&nbsp; The four then circle and fly home.&nbsp; It is a very moving experience.<br /><br /><br />Sometimes the number of doves is reflected in other ways, such as the number of children or grandchildren.&nbsp; However many doves you choose for the release the symbolism can provide some peace and comfort.&nbsp; With the release music or poetry is often used these two are my favorite.<br /><br /><br /><br /><div align="center">I'm Free</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Don't grieve for me, for now I'm free</div><div align="center">I'm following the path God has chosen for me.</div><div align="center">I took His hand when I heard him call;</div><div align="center">I turned my back and left it all.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I could not stay another day,</div><div align="center">To laugh, to love, to work or play.</div><div align="center">Tasks left undone must stay that way;</div><div align="center">I've now found peace at the end of the day.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">If my parting has left a void,</div><div align="center">Then fill it with remembered joys.</div><div align="center">A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss'</div><div align="center">Oh yes, these things, I too will miss.</div><div align="center">Be not burdened with times of sorrow,</div><div align="center">Look for the sunshine of tomorrow.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">My life's been full, I savored much;</div><div align="center">Good friends, good times, a loved ones touch.</div><div align="center">Perhaps my time seems all to brief;</div><div align="center">Don't lengthen your pain with undue grief. </div><div align="center">Lift up your heart and peace to thee,</div><div align="center">God wanted me now-- He set me free.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Author: Shannon Lee Moseley﻿</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">White Doves</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">The white doves are taking flight.</div><div align="center">It's my time to say good-bye.</div><div align="center">I will not be here when you wake,</div><div align="center">for my soul he had to take.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">You might miss the smile on my face.</div><div align="center">You might miss the words that I say.</div><div align="center">but just sit and think a while,</div><div align="center">for in your heart my memories lie.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I have a narrow road to travel.</div><div align="center">The white doves will lead the way.</div><div align="center">They will help ease my fears,</div><div align="center">as I journey, this new place.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">I am in a place of comfort.</div><div align="center">The fear now is gone.</div><div align="center">Put those things out of your thoughts,</div><div align="center">in your memory I live on.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Remember not my fight for breath,</div><div align="center">Remember not the strife</div><div align="center">Please do not dwell upon my death</div><div align="center">But celebrate my life.</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center">Author Unknown</div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="center"><br /></div><div align="left">When the time comes and you are in the position of planning a funeral or memorial service consider the release of doves at the cemetery or location where the service is taking place.&nbsp; If the service is in New Jersey, selected areas of eastern PA or NYC contact us for ideas and availability of our birds.&nbsp; For about the price of a floral arrangement we have self release birds available, check out our site <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">www.dovesforrelease.com</a> ﻿</div><blockquote><blockquote></blockquote></blockquote><a name='more'></a>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-16996903504998768042011-01-10T11:51:00.000-08:002011-01-10T11:55:05.409-08:00Should I release Butterflies or Doves after the CeremonyI read an interesting article about the releasing of butterflies after wedding ceremonies that &nbsp;I thought would be worth posting on my blog.&nbsp; The article was put out by the North American Butterfly Association and it gave I thought at least some things to consider if you are going to have a butterfly release.<br /><br /><div id="main_content"><h1 style="text-align: center;">There's No Need to Release Butterflies -- They're Already Free</h1><em>by Jeffrey Glassberg</em> (president of NABA); <em>Paul Opler</em> (author of <em>Peterson Field Guide to Eastern Butterflies</em>); <em>Robert M. Pyle</em> (author of <em>Audubon Society Field Guide to Butterflies</em>); <em>Robert Robbins</em> (curator of Lepidoptera, Smithsonian Institution) and <em>James Tuttle</em> (president, (Lepidopterists' Society)<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Most fifth graders can tell you how the magnificent Monarch butterflies migrate thousands of miles every autumn from the United States and Canada to a few small mountain tops in Mexico. There they find the right environmental conditions that allow them to survive the winter. With the advent of spring, they begin their return journey. This migratory phenomenon is truly a wonder of nature that sparks the imagination.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Now imagine tens of thousands of mixed-up Monarchs unable to find the way to their overwintering grounds. This depressing image may become a reality if the rapidly-growing fad of releasing butterflies, including Monarch butterflies, at weddings, state fairs, and other public events continues to spread. Because the released Monarchs may have come from California, for instance, where they do not migrate to Mexico, their offspring may not be able to orient properly,. Because the Monarchs were raised inside under unnatural conditions, it is possible that their delicate migratory physiology may not have been turned on.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Public interest in butterflies is increasing dramatically. We hope and expect this greater involvement with butterflies will eventually lead to much-needed support for butterfly conservation and studies, but the release of live butterflies is the dark side of this increase in popularity. Although this practice is understandable to naive newlyweds-to-be (what could be more beautiful than adding butterflies to the environment?) it is really a particularly long-lasting form of environmental pollution.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Butterflies raised by unregulated commercial interests may spread diseases and parasites to wild populations, with devastating results. Often, butterflies are released great distances from their points of origin, resulting in inappropriate genetic mixing of different populations when the same species is locally present. When it is not, a non-native species is being introduced in the area of release. At best, this confuses studies of butterfly distribution and migration; at worst, it may result in deleterious changes to the local ecology. The Hollywood Jurassic park message, "Don't fool with Mother Nature," has scientific foundations. Recently a high profile report in Science magazine found that even the careful introduction of species for biological control often causes unexpected negative results.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, these releases create a commercial market for live butterflies (currently about $10/apiece), with the result that, for example, the Monarch overwintering sites in Mexico and on the California coast are now targets for poachers.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;Currently, the interstate shipment of live butterflies requires a permit from the U.S. Department of Agriculture but this law is not usually enforced. In general, the Dept. of Agriculture may issue a permit for shipping any of the following species: Monarch, Painted Lady, American Lady, Red Admiral, Giant Swallowtail, Gulf Fritillary, Zebra (Heliconian), and Mourning Cloak. Shipping Red Admirals, Giant Swallowtails, Gulf Fritillaries and Zebra (Heliconians) is particularly inappropriate because they are not naturally found over much of the United States.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A solution that better serves the public interest with less regulatory burden is to ban the environmental release of commercially-obtained butterflies (we would exempt education institutions, although even here we would encourage schools to keep commercially-obtained butterflies within the confines of the school). The intentional release of native birds was outlawed in 1947. The time has come to do the same with butterflies.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition to the above, many wedding planners now avoid butterflies at weddings because they not infrequently arrive dead, or half-dead. (See the recent article in the New York Times "Festive Release of Butterflies Puts Trouble in the Air" on page F4 of the Sept. 15, 1998 edition). Even if alive, they often will soon die because they are released at the wrong time of year, or at the wrong locality to survive.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;A truly beautiful and environmentally friendly way to celebrate a wedding is to throw rose petals. You can even use outdated roses from your florist.<br />--- <a href="http://www.naba.org/action.html">Action You Can Take</a><br /><a href="http://www.naba.org/orgwed.html">Views of Other Organizations</a><br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.naba.org/orgwed.html#0">American Museum of Natural History</a></li><li><a href="http://www.naba.org/orgwed.html#1">Calloway Gardens</a></li><li><a href="http://www.naba.org/orgwed.html#2">National Wildlife Federation</a></li><li><a href="http://www.naba.org/orgwed.html#3">Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife</a></li></ul><a href="http://www.naba.org/mediawed.html">Media Reports</a><br /><a href="http://www.naba.org/readwed.html">Readers' Views</a></div><br /><br />The conclusion one might come up with after reading this information is that a Dove release is safer on the environment and still&nbsp;weaves &nbsp;the beauty of nature into the ceremony.&nbsp; I invite you to ask us any questions about our birds, and if you are considering a dove release in NJ, the Philadelphia area or NYC, please call or email <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease/">dovesforrelease</a>&nbsp;@ yahoo.com and be sure to check out our website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-41188569097832214622011-01-04T13:34:00.000-08:002011-01-04T13:34:07.488-08:00Rali and George's Wedding White Dove Release<strong>I want to thank Rali and George for posting on U-Tube the video of their dove release which was 10/10/2010 at Antony &amp; Cleopatra Caterers in Williamstown NJ.&nbsp; It was a beautiful ceremony and we were pleased that we could provide the doves for the event.</strong><br /><br /><br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <iframe frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/2Ouabtd7Lss?fs=1" width="425"></iframe><br /><br />Rali did some interesting things with the doves to get people involved, which I believe made her ceremony special because it was unique.&nbsp;Rali had a memorial table set with pictures of loved ones and she had her bridesmaid and best man release several birds in a black decorated basket in their memory instead of lighting candles, it was real touching.&nbsp; Than finally she had the flower girl and ring bearer with other small children release a larger basket of doves to join the others.&nbsp; It was a gorgeous evening and the birds added a special touch.<br /><br />Often times before the birds are released there is a blessing or poem.&nbsp; I would like to leave this with you.<br />&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br />The Legend of the Dove<br /><br />Once the Lord of Heaven chose two doves, both young and fair.<br />And told them of a very special journey they would share.<br /><br />"Go now upon the earth and see two hearts where you may dwell,<br />And there I shall surely come and make my home with you as well.<br /><br />We'll join the two and make them one.&nbsp; A Husband and a Wife,<br />My spirit will endow their love with everlasting life."<br /><br />Today the Doves will bring sacred promise from above<br />To those whose hearts are open to the miracle of love.<br /><br />If we can be of service for your white dove release needs call us at 609-758-5741 or check out our website at <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">www.dovesforrelease.com</a>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-25262397109489628572010-12-27T11:12:00.000-08:002010-12-31T14:32:57.735-08:00Doves for Weddings<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TR5ZddLT6wI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/rbx9lr_hcV0/s1600/Wedding+Ian+2010.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_6j3c1DyZTTs/TR5ZddLT6wI/AAAAAAAAAAQ/rbx9lr_hcV0/s320/Wedding+Ian+2010.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>&nbsp;<strong>The release of doves for events such as weddings&nbsp;has been done for centuries.&nbsp; These beautiful white birds symbolize Love, Peace, Joy, and the Promise of New Beginnings..............</strong><br /><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />For the past two years we have done a variety of releases for weddings ranging from the most formal to the very casual garden weddings.&nbsp; In fact I invite you to go to my web site and view our photo gallery to see some of the pictures <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; Most typically a bride and groom will release a single bird from a heart shaped basket where the two birds will fly off together symbolizing the union of the couple and there journey together.&nbsp;&nbsp;As seen in the above picture.&nbsp; But what can also be done can be a single basket held together with two birds jointly released by the couple or even released by hand.<br /><br />In some weddings as the bride and groom leave the church and&nbsp;as they release their birds multiple baskets of birds can be released for a dramatic effect.&nbsp; To see the birds circle above and fly as a group is a site to behold.<br /><br />White doves can also be released on behalf of those who have died.&nbsp; I have seen it done in garden weddings rather than lighting a candle releasing several birds in memory of loved ones which was quite moving.&nbsp; The releasing of doves makes the service memorable and lights up the faces of those who are participating.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowFullScreen='true' webkitallowfullscreen='true' mozallowfullscreen='true' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/F89ugf5IvSA?feature=player_embedded' FRAMEBORDER='0' /></div>&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<br /><br />If you are thinking about a release for your wedding, take out a minute to view this short video.&nbsp; Watching this you will get a feel for what a dove release is all about, and if you live in NJ, Philadelphia Area,&nbsp;or &nbsp;the NYC area and are looking for a dove handler, please consider our services.&nbsp; Check out our site <a href="http://www.dovesforrelease.com/">http://www.dovesforrelease.com/</a>&nbsp; we would like the opportunity of making your wedding day special with our birds.Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-69528295683907353852010-11-17T14:02:00.000-08:002010-11-17T14:02:42.471-08:00How do you train white doves?When ever we do a white dove release it is going to be inevitable that some will ask how do you train the white doves to come home?&nbsp; So I thought this might be a good question to start with.&nbsp; Before we get into training it is important that you have birds that are trainable, in other words having youngsters that are related to birds that have a good homing instinct.&nbsp; My white pigeons are related to racing pigeons of which some have raced 500 miles on the day.&nbsp; As you recall white doves that are used for ceremonies are rock doves better known as homing pigeons. So to expect my birds to be trainable for a 100 miles is not a great expectation.&nbsp; So breeding is the first step to successful training.<br /><br />The egg takes 18 days to hatch and the young bird stays in the nest roughly 30 days before the parents kick them out to start another clutch of eggs.&nbsp; I remove the young and put them in a cage so I can observe the youngsters to make sure they are eating on their own.&nbsp; In a week to 10 days after I feel confident they are eating on their own they go to the young bird loft.&nbsp; The loft is a&nbsp;4x8 shed like building used for settling the youngsters.<br /><br />When the birds are 40 to 50 days old they are very curious of their surroundings.&nbsp; On the loft is a landing board.&nbsp; For the first two weeks that they are in the loft they are caged on top of the landing board.&nbsp; It is done for two reasons, first being caged on the landing board they are able to view their surroundings&nbsp; in safety from&nbsp;hawks or other animals of prey.&nbsp; Second the loft has an entrance where the birds can go in but they cant go out, this time gets them comfortable with the bob system so when they are finally given free flight they feel comfortable in getting into the loft.<br /><br />When the birds are 60-70 days old they are given free flight.&nbsp; They are placed on the landing board with no restrictions.&nbsp; For the first couple of days they rush into the loft, a few days later they start flying in the trees, top of the roof, they stay pretty close to the house.&nbsp;&nbsp;In 7-10 days I want the birds to be flying, some times it takes a little persuasion so I have a long bamboo pole with a red flag to&nbsp;keep them flying but anything that keeps the birds up can be used.&nbsp; At this time I introduce the training crate to the birds.&nbsp; A training crate is a canvas box with a dowel top, capable of holding 20 youngsters.&nbsp; The birds get used to being crated and transported.&nbsp; So I crate the birds and release them in the front yard where they can see their loft and get used to the process to feel comfortable.<br /><br />As the days continue the birds fly further from the house out of sight.&nbsp; When the birds are gone for 45 min we start to road train.&nbsp; by the way when the birds are gone for that long we call it routing this is the process that the birds start learning their surroundings and learn to fly as a group.&nbsp; The first training toss is 1 mile from the loft.&nbsp; As the birds are released they are observed for how well they group and how quickly they get to the loft. If it is a good toss we will toss in the opposite direction again one mile, this toss is repeated in all four directions.<br /><br />We repeat this process jumping the distance to 5 miles, 10 miles, 25 miles and 50 miles.&nbsp; Once the birds are trained out to the distances we want we keep the birds conditioned.&nbsp; Conditioning is done through exercise and diet&nbsp;.&nbsp; If we have a wedding or event that is greater than 50 miles we train to the location of the event to make sure the birds are comfortable when they are released.&nbsp; If you have any questions on this topic or any subject having to deal with the our white pigeons email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5704313484259088685.post-80474060392437385722010-11-15T10:45:00.000-08:002010-11-15T10:45:43.916-08:00Purpose of setting this Blog UpOften times when we do weddings or funerals questions arise about the birds or how others utilize the birds in their services.&nbsp; What we will try to accomplish is to address the questions most frequently asked and show what others are doing to incorporate the birds.&nbsp; If you have questions, or you have had doves used at your wedding or observed the use of white doves that had impressed you please email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>.<br /><br />The area we service is NJ and some area of PA and NY.&nbsp; The birds we use are "rock doves" better known as homing pigeons.&nbsp; These birds are trained out to a distance of 100 miles in either direction&nbsp;from their home base of Creamridge NJ, just as a reference point we are 2 miles west of Great Adventure.&nbsp; These birds are used because of their ability to return home after their release where they are cared for. Domestic ring neck doves are unable to survive the wild and the release of these birds at a ceremony is certain death, either by starvation or become&nbsp;a food source to other animals such as hawks and cats.&nbsp; So please if nothing else when you look for white doves make sure they are homing pigeons..&nbsp; In the blog we can touch on things to look for when locating a handler for a ceremony, its important to minimize the possibilities of things going wrong and we do want the safety of the birds to be in consideration<br /><br />I heard this quote and as I get older I believe it to be true that "Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the number of moments that take our breath away!"and that is what a white dove release does.&nbsp; It takes a wedding ceremony up another level, to where&nbsp;people remember and talk about it&nbsp; long after the wedding service.&nbsp; A release at the grave site where a loved one releases a dove in memory of the one who has died brings comfort to those who are left behind that's what a dove release does.&nbsp; Share your thoughts email me at <a href="mailto:dovesforrelease@yahoo.com">dovesforrelease@yahoo.com</a>.Lasting Memories by Sharonhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17831850590428781974noreply@blogger.com0